The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arrested and arraigned Ismaila Mustapha, aka Mompha, on charges of money laundering. Mompha was first arrested in October 2019, and was arraigned on eight counts of money laundering in January 2022. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Mompha was re-arrested on May 15, 2023, after the EFCC accused him of flouting the court's order by traveling to Dubai with a new international passport. He was arraigned on the same day on an additional 22 counts of money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to the new charges.
The anti-graft agency's counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, told Justice Mojisola Dada of Ikeja Special Offences Court in Lagos that the prosecution in collaboration with its international partners secured the arrest of the celebrity.
He said, "The prosecution will like to bring to the knowledge of my lord that in collaboration with our international partners, we have been able to apprehend the defendant.
"We plan to take him into custody and to produce him before the court. The counsel for the defendant reached out to me seeking for an adjournment that he will be absent today in court," Suleiman said.
However, Justice Dada further adjourned the case until July 3 for a continuation of the trial.
He said, "The prosecution will like to bring to the knowledge of my lord that in collaboration with our international partners, we have been able to apprehend the defendant.
"We plan to take him into custody and to produce him before the court. The counsel for the defendant reached out to me seeking for an adjournment that he will be absent today in court," Suleiman said.
However, Justice Dada further adjourned the case until July 3 for a continuation of the trial.
The EFCC alleges that Mompha laundered over N6 billion ($15.6 million) through his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited. The commission says that Mompha used his company to launder money through a variety of methods, including buying luxury goods, making foreign payments, and investing in real estate.
Mompha has denied the allegations against him. He says that he is a legitimate businessman and that the money he is accused of laundering is from his legitimate businesses.
Mompha has denied the allegations against him. He says that he is a legitimate businessman and that the money he is accused of laundering is from his legitimate businesses.
Disclaimer: Comments and opinions on any part of this website are the opinions of blog commenters or anonymous individuals, and do not reflect Strenuousblog.com position.